WS-C2960-48PST-S Cisco Catalyst Managed Switch - 48 Ports

Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch is designed to deliver reliable Layer 2 switching, secure connectivity, and efficient Power over Ethernet capabilities for enterprise and business network environments. As part of the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series, this managed network switch supports scalable network growth while maintaining stable performance for access-layer deployments.

General Product Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: WS-C2960-48PST-S
• Product Line: Cisco Catalyst Series
• Series: Catalyst 2960
• Device Type: Managed Network Switch
• Port Configuration: 48-Port Ethernet Switch

Total Network Port Availability

• Total Network Ports: 50
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) Enabled Ports: 48
• Standard RJ-45 Network Ports: 2

Ethernet Port Specifications

• 48 x Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) Ports
• 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports for uplink connectivity
• 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slots

PoE Advantages for Business Networks

• Centralized power delivery to compatible devices
• Reduced cabling complexity and installation cost
• Improved flexibility for device placement

Supported Ethernet Technologies

• 10/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet
• 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet

Network Layer and Switching Intelligence

• Supported Network Layer: Layer 2
• Optimized for access-layer deployments
• Improved traffic segmentation and control

Expansion Slot Details

• Total Expansion Slots: 2
• Slot Type: SFP
• Shared SFP Slot Support: Yes
• Number of SFP Slots: 2

Benefits of SFP Expansion

• Supports long-distance fiber connectivity
• Enables high-speed uplinks to core switches
• Enhances future network expansion options

Power Input and Supply Details

• Input Voltage Range: 110 V AC to 220 V AC
• Power Source: Integrated Internal Power Supply

Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Deployment Use Cases

• Enterprise access-layer switching
• IP telephony and wireless deployments
• Structured and scalable network architectures

Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch category represents a foundational class of enterprise-grade access layer switching solutions designed to deliver reliable Layer 2 connectivity, enhanced security, and intelligent network management. This category is purpose-built for organizations that require stable Ethernet switching with Power over Ethernet capabilities, robust traffic control, and proven Cisco IOS Software reliability. Positioned within the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series, this managed switch category supports scalable campus networks, branch offices, and converged data environments where voice, video, and data traffic coexist.

The 48-port configuration defines this category as an ideal solution for medium to large deployments where high port density and centralized power delivery are essential. With integrated PoE support, this category enables direct connectivity for IP phones, wireless access points, and security devices, reducing infrastructure complexity and cabling requirements. The Catalyst 2960 family is widely recognized for its long-term stability, making this category a strategic choice for organizations prioritizing network consistency and lifecycle longevity.

Architectural Design of Catalyst 2960 Access Layer Switches

Purpose-Built Access Layer Functionality

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category is architected specifically for the access layer of enterprise networks, where endpoint devices connect directly to the wired infrastructure. This category focuses on predictable performance, low latency forwarding, and deterministic traffic handling. The access layer role emphasizes secure port-level control, quality of service enforcement, and seamless integration with upstream distribution and core switches.

The Catalyst 2960 architecture supports wire-speed forwarding across all 48 Fast Ethernet ports while maintaining consistent throughput during peak traffic conditions. This ensures that user devices, IP telephony systems, and wireless controllers experience stable connectivity without congestion-related degradation. The internal switching fabric and forwarding tables are optimized to support dense endpoint environments.

Switching Fabric and Forwarding Capabilities

This category leverages a non-blocking switching architecture that allows simultaneous packet forwarding across multiple ports. The switching fabric is engineered to support enterprise workloads where multiple devices transmit data concurrently. The result is reduced packet loss, minimized jitter, and consistent application performance, even in voice and video-intensive environments.

MAC address table scalability within this category ensures accurate frame forwarding in networks with large numbers of connected devices. The Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch category supports rapid address learning and aging mechanisms, which help maintain efficient forwarding paths and prevent broadcast storms.

Port Density and Power over Ethernet Capabilities

48-Port Fast Ethernet Connectivity

The defining characteristic of the Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category is its 48 Fast Ethernet ports, which provide ample connectivity for enterprise endpoints. This port density allows organizations to consolidate access switches, simplify network layouts, and reduce rack space utilization. Each port is designed to support consistent data rates and reliable link negotiation with connected devices.

Fast Ethernet connectivity within this category remains relevant in environments where bandwidth requirements are predictable and where stability and cost efficiency are prioritized. Many IP phones, printers, access control systems, and legacy workstations continue to operate effectively on Fast Ethernet, making this category a practical and economical choice.

Integrated Power over Ethernet Support

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Managed Switch category includes integrated Power over Ethernet functionality, enabling the switch to supply electrical power alongside data over standard Ethernet cabling. This capability simplifies deployment of powered devices and eliminates the need for external power adapters or additional electrical outlets.

PoE support within this category is engineered for enterprise reliability, featuring intelligent power allocation and monitoring. The switch dynamically manages power budgets across ports, ensuring that critical devices such as IP phones and wireless access points receive consistent power. This intelligent power management contributes to improved uptime and simplified network administration.

Layer 2 Management and Control Features

Advanced VLAN Segmentation

VLAN functionality is a core element of the Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category, allowing network administrators to logically segment traffic and improve both security and performance. By separating user groups, departments, or application types into distinct VLANs, this category enables efficient broadcast domain management and reduces unnecessary network traffic.

The Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch category supports extensive VLAN configurations, including voice VLANs for IP telephony deployments. Voice VLAN support ensures that voice traffic is prioritized and isolated from data traffic, resulting in improved call quality and reduced latency.

Spanning Tree Protocol Enhancements

Loop prevention is a critical requirement in access layer switching, and this category includes comprehensive Spanning Tree Protocol support. The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category supports enhancements that improve convergence times and overall network stability. These mechanisms help maintain uninterrupted connectivity during topology changes or link failures.

By supporting rapid spanning tree technologies, this category minimizes downtime and prevents broadcast storms, which is especially important in large campus environments with multiple interconnected switches.

Security Capabilities in Catalyst 2960 Managed Switches

Port-Based Network Access Control

Security is deeply integrated into the Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category, starting at the port level. Port-based access control mechanisms ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the network. This approach helps mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access, rogue devices, and internal threats.

The Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch category supports authentication frameworks that integrate with centralized identity systems. This enables consistent security policies across the access layer and simplifies user management.

Traffic Monitoring and Protection Mechanisms

The category incorporates traffic monitoring features that help detect abnormal behavior and potential security threats. By analyzing traffic patterns and enforcing rate limits, the switch can prevent denial-of-service conditions and protect network resources.

Additional protection mechanisms within this category help safeguard against MAC flooding, broadcast storms, and address spoofing. These capabilities contribute to a resilient access layer that maintains service availability under adverse conditions.

Quality of Service Optimization

Traffic Classification and Prioritization

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category provides comprehensive Quality of Service capabilities designed to optimize application performance. Traffic classification mechanisms identify different types of network traffic, such as voice, video, and data, and apply appropriate handling rules.

By prioritizing latency-sensitive applications, this category ensures consistent performance for real-time communications. QoS enforcement at the access layer reduces reliance on upstream devices and improves end-to-end application delivery.

Bandwidth Management and Congestion Control

Bandwidth management features within this category allow administrators to allocate network resources efficiently. Congestion control mechanisms help prevent individual devices or applications from monopolizing available bandwidth, ensuring fair access for all users.

This approach is particularly beneficial in environments with mixed workloads, where predictable performance is required for business-critical applications.

Management and Configuration Capabilities

Cisco IOS Software Integration

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S Managed Switch category operates on Cisco IOS Software, providing a familiar and robust management environment. This software platform offers consistent command-line interfaces, extensive documentation, and proven reliability.

IOS integration allows seamless interoperability with other Cisco network devices, enabling unified management and simplified troubleshooting across the enterprise network.

Scalability and Deployment Scenarios

Campus and Branch Office Applications

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category is well suited for campus networks where multiple access switches connect to a centralized distribution layer. Its consistent feature set and predictable performance make it easy to deploy across multiple wiring closets.

In branch office environments, this category provides enterprise-grade functionality in a compact form factor, supporting unified communications and secure user access.

Support for Converged Networks

Modern enterprise networks often support voice, video, and data on a single infrastructure. The Catalyst 2960 Managed Switch category is designed to support converged networks by combining PoE, QoS, and VLAN capabilities into a single access layer solution.

This convergence reduces operational complexity and improves overall network efficiency, making the category a strategic component of unified communications deployments.

Reliability and Operational Stability

Enterprise-Class Hardware Design

The Cisco WS-C2960-48PST-S category is built on enterprise-class hardware designed for continuous operation. Components are selected for durability and consistent performance under sustained workloads.

Thermal management and power regulation systems within this category ensure stable operation in demanding network environments, contributing to long-term reliability.